What significant change occurred to the NCO chevrons in 1902?

The significant change to the NCO chevrons in 1902 was that the direction changed to point upward. This modification was a key development in the military's rank insignia for non-commissioned officers, as it represented a formalized structure of ranking within the armed forces. Prior to this change, the chevrons pointed downward, but the upward orientation symbolizes authority and leadership, reflecting the role of non-commissioned officers as leaders among enlisted personnel. This change also set a standard that has influenced military insignia design in various branches to this day, reinforcing the visual representation of rank and responsibility within the hierarchy of military structure.